iSkin has announced four of their case models for the new iPhone 5. The most durable one in the lot is the iSkin aura with its brushed aluminum finish and strong construction. The case is incredible slim and light and it's perfectly form fitting to the iPhone 5. The case comes in two tone design and offers six color combos.

Design

The iSkin aura line has been a popular design for iSkin cases. We've looked at their aura cases for both the iPhone 4S and the Samsung Galaxy S III. But the iPhone 5 version is the sleekest looking one yet. It features two-tone blocks in brushed metal and chrome surface that sets on muted background metal plate. The black, red and green combo cases have dark casing while the blue, pink and yellow combo cases have light casing that match the white version the iPhone 5 better. The color blocks give a pleasing visual break to the longer iPhone 5 body and the metal surface gives the case a modern sleek look. The sides of the case has rougher finish compared to the back, providing a better grip when you're handling the phone in the case.

The case covers the back, the two vertical sides and the four corners of the phone, but leaves most of the top and bottom open for port and button access. The iSkin aura is thin and light, weighing only 0.8 ounce. The case doesn't offer anything to protect the display, but it'll work with screen protector model. The sides of the case wrap around and rise ever so slight beyond the display, so when you put the phone face down, your screen won't touch the surface. There are two phone charm holders on the bottom on either side. The case has a layer of soft coating and won't scratch your iPhone 5's surface.

Features

The metal construction of the iSkin aura feels solid even though it adds barely any bulk. The case can easily protect the iPhone 5 from scratches, bumps and nicks as long as it's not directed at the front. The case has perfect cutouts for ports and it has protected volume buttons under the case cover. Since the top and the bottom of phone are largely exposed, you have easy access to the power button, audio jack and the Lightning port. You should have no trouble using any cable for these ports, and since the case is also slim you should have no trouble using audio accessories such as speakers, alarm clocks and docking stations when they eventually come out with Lightning port support.

The case has a cutout for the silence button that's relatively easy to use, and the volume buttons under the case are very easy to operate thanks to the raised buttons on the cover. The rear camera and flash also enjoy a generous cutout that allows the camera to have a full view and the flash to fully illuminate.

Conclusion

If you are into a slim case yet with strong construction, the iSkin aura does the trick thanks to its brushed aluminum body. The case is easy to install and reasonably easy to take off. We like the color combos that match the sleek style of the new iPhone 5, and the build quality is excellent with perfect machine cut lines and perfect fit. The case is coming soon to online retailers and in stores.